Three Palominos, two locals, set to play in All-Star Game

Laredo Community College baseball players (from left) Ricardo Villarreal, Juliann Hinojosa and Angel De La Paz were selected to play in the Texas-New Mexico All Star Game.

Laredo Community College’s baseball team has always had a representative at the NJCAA Texas-New Mexico All-Star Game. But this year’s game is a little different. The Palominos had three players selected, two of which hail from Laredo.

"I’m proud of the guys for making it and for having the numbers to get into the game," LCC head coach Michael Davila said. "They are going to play and represent not only Laredo, with the local guys, but our institution as well, and that’s what’s special about this game."

Second baseman Angel De La Paz, center fielder Juliann Hinojosa and left fielder Ricardo Villarreal were the three Palominos selected. Hinojosa and Villarreal attended high school at Alexander and United, respectively.

Hinojosa was the best of the bunch in terms of average hitting .271 with two triples, two doubles and five RBIs. He’s ecstatic for the opportunity to represent his hometown.

"I was super excited when I found out, and it’s something new and something I can tell a story about later," Hinojosa said. "It’s a goal that I set last year. I got it and I’m really happy about it.

"The first thing I told my parents is that I’m there and I’m playing for my city, so now I have to put on a good show."

Villarreal showcased some pop in his bat in 2017 hitting .227 with a home run, two triples, four doubles and 13 RBIs — the latter tied for second on the team. Much like his teammate and former high school rival in Hinojosa, Villarreal is looking forward to participating in the All-Star Game for reasons that reach far past himself.

"I’m playing this for my mom, dad, aunts and uncles," Villarreal said. "I’m going to be going up against some of the best guys in the region and I’m definitely looking forward to it."

De La Paz, who attend high school at CC Moody, batted .210 with a team-high 14 RBIs. He will be joined by many familiar faces from his hometown as a few former Corpus Christians that attended other junior colleges in the area are playing on both All-Star teams.

"It’s going to be flowing with all of us guys for Corpus and we can finally put our name on the map," De La Paz said. "It’s going to be a lot of fun. After our senior year, we went our separate ways and now we are finally able to play together."

There will be two All-Star Games, one on Friday at 12:30 p.m. and the other Saturday at 11 a.m. The one All-Star team is composed of players from Region XIV, LCC’s conference, while the other All-Star team is made up of players from Region V, which encompasses West Texas and New Mexico.

Villarreal will play in Game 1 on Friday while Hinojosa and De La Paz will suit up in Game 2 on Saturday. The games will be played at Weatherford College in Weatherford, Texas, which is located about 30 miles west of Fort Worth.

And the three LCC players won’t be alone as the Palominos’ coaching staff was selected to help coach the game as well.

"The three guys making the team is awesome, and we got selected to coach the game, which is extra special," Davila said.

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